Methods and apparatus for assessing a cable connection

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for testing a cable connection in order to determine whether the cable connection can adequately support delivery of one or more services delivered from a service provider infrastructure. In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus are adapted to detect RF signals on a coaxial cable connection or outlet within a premises, evaluate the signals, and determine the readiness status thereof based on the evaluation. In one variant, an algorithm is used for the evaluation of the RF signals, and is dependent on at least a geographical location of the cable outlet being tested. The algorithm evaluates a list of prospective RF channels for signal strength so as to correlate or exclude any signals present from one or more types of sources (e.g., OTA broadcasts, satellite service providers, etc.).

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, co-ownedand co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/818,695 of the sametitle filed on Mar. 13, 2020, and issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 11,375,562 onJun. 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND 1. Technological Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of network cableconnections, and specifically in one exemplary aspect, detection andcharacterization of RF (radio frequency) signals present on or deliveredover such cable connections.

2. Description of Related Technology

Under existing content distribution paradigms, network operators deliverdata services (e.g., broadband), video products, and so-called “OTT”(over-the-top) content services to customers using a variety ofdifferent devices, thereby enabling their users or subscribers to accessdata/content in a number of different contexts, both fixed (e.g., attheir residence) and mobile (such as while traveling or away from home).

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a typical managed content distribution network(e.g., cable network) architecture is described. As shown in FIG. 1 ,the architecture 101 comprises one or more headend portions 102 whichmay include a conditional access system (CAS) and amultiplexer-encrypter-modulator (MEM) coupled to an HFC network havingfiber network 104 and coaxial cable network 110 portions coupled viafiber nodes 108. The network 101 is adapted to process or conditioncontent for transmission over the network to a plurality of servicenodes 112 and ultimately client devices or CPE (consumer premisesequipment) 106. Information is carried across multiple informationchannels created within the architecture. Thus, the headend must beadapted to acquire the information for the carried channels from varioussources. Typically, the channels being delivered from the headend 102 tothe CPE 06 (“downstream”) are multiplexed together in the headend, andsent to neighborhood hubs 112 via the interposed network components.

In such networks, data/content delivery may be specific to the networkoperator, such as where video content is ingested by the networkoperator or its proxy, and delivered to the network users or subscribersas a product or service of the network operator. For instance, a cablemultiple systems operator (MSO) may ingest content from multipledifferent sources (e.g., national networks, content aggregators, etc.),process the ingested content, and deliver it to the MSO subscribers viatheir hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable/fiber network, such as to thesubscriber's set-top box or DOCSIS cable modem. Such ingested content istranscoded to the necessary format as required (e.g., MPEG-2 orH.264/AVC or H.265/HEVC), framed and placed in the appropriate mediacontainer format (“packaged”), transmitted via e.g., statisticalmultiplex into a multi-program transport stream (MPTS) on 6 MHz radiofrequency (RF) channels for receipt by the subscribers via RF tuners,de-multiplexed and decoded, and rendered on the users' rendering devices(e.g., digital TV) according to the prescribed coding format.

Within the cable plant, VOD and so-called switched digital video (SDV)may also be used to provide content, and via utilization of asingle-program transport stream (SPTS) delivery modality. In U.S. cablesystems for example, downstream RF channels used for transmission oftelevision programs are 6 MHz wide, and occupy a multitude of 6-MHzspectral slots between 54 MHz and 860 MHz. Upstream and “out of band”communications are normally relegated to the lower end of the availablespectrum, such as between 5 and 85 MHz. Deployments of VOD services haveto share this spectrum with already established analog and digital cabletelevision services such as those described above. Within a given cableplant, all homes that are electrically connected to the same cable feedrunning through a neighborhood will receive the same downstream signal.For the purpose of managing e.g., VOD services, these homes are groupedinto logical groups typically called Service Groups. Homes belonging tothe same Service Group receive their VOD service on the same set of RFchannels.

VOD service is typically offered over a given number (e.g., 4) of RFchannels from the available spectrum in cable. Thus, a VOD Service Groupconsists of homes receiving VOD signals over the same 4 RF channels.

In most cable networks, programs are transmitted using MPEG (e.g.,MPEG-2) audio/video compression. Since cable signals are transmittedusing a Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) scheme, available payloadbitrate for typical modulation rates (e.g., QAM-256) used on HFC systemsis roughly 38 Mbps. For example, in many VOD deployments, a typical rateof 3.75 Mbps is used to send one video program at resolution and qualityequivalent to NTSC broadcast signals. In digital television terminology,this is called Standard Definition (SD) television resolution.Therefore, use of MPEG-2 and QAM modulation enables carriage of 10 SDsessions on one RF channel (10×3.75=37.5 Mbps<38 Mbps). Since a typicalService Group consists of 4 RF channels, 40 simultaneous SD VOD sessionscan be accommodated within a Service Group.

Entertainment-quality transmission of HD (High Definition) signalsrequires about four times as much bandwidth as transmission of SDsignals. For an exemplary MPEG-2 Main Profile-High Level (MP@HL) videocompression, each HD program requires around 15-Mbps bitrate. New UHDand similar encodings require even higher data rates and demandhigh-order modulation and coding schemes (MCS) such as QAM-256.

Hence, in sum, existing U.S. cable systems utilize what in effectamounts to an FDM system with 6 MHz channels and roughly 700 MHz ofavailable bandwidth capacity in total, each of the channels being QAMmodulated and delivered to the end user via e.g., a tree-and-branch typeof topology, with user's CPE (e.g., digital settop boxes, DOCSIS modems,and gateways) utilizing RF tuners to tune to the appropriate DS channelsto receive their respective data or program streams. European cablesystems typically utilize 8 MHz channels but generally similarmodulation and distribution schemes, by comparison.

New initiatives aimed at utilizing broader portions of the RF spectrumon the cable (e.g., up to 1.2 GHz or even 1.6 GHz and beyond) are alsoforthcoming. Moreover, with increasing demand for coverage by broadbandnetworking services (including to more rural areas which may not beserviced by the aforementioned coaxial cable systems), there is anincreasing amount of wireless equipment that is being deployed forservicing such demand, including via delivery using CBRS or otherquasi-licensed or unlicensed spectrum which is backhauled by extantcable MSO infrastructure. One way in which broadband wireless servicesare provided, including at network edges (e.g., in rural areas), is byuse of CBRS Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) devices. A high-level diagramshowing a typical FWA device installation on a consumer premises isshown in FIG. 1B. Using such installations, a cable operator (aka “MSO”or multiple systems operator) can further expand its customer base andcoverage footprint, including to previously un-served or under-servedmarkets.

Unaddressed Issues of Service Provision

When a managed (e.g., cable) network content provider wants to providedigital content services to a customer at a customer premises (e.g.,house, office, enterprise, campus, etc.), there is not always an easy orreliable way to determine whether any or all of the cable outlets at thecustomer premises are actually connected to the cable network of thatparticular content provider and, if so, whether the connection is ofsufficient quality to support delivery of the desired services. Forexample, a given cable outlet may lead to an open or shorted cablingsystem, be connected to a satellite dish, be connected to MoCAinfrastructure (but not the service provider's delivery network), or beconnected a TV antenna (such as a roof-mounted antenna).

Further, some cable outlets at a customer premises might have a goodconnection to the service provider's cable delivery network, whileothers do not.

Additionally, even when connected, interference with or degradation ofthe cabling or connections within the signal path may render theinstallation useless for certain types of services; e.g., “noisy” cablesor degraded F-type connectors or degraded cable insulation may producepoor results (including those below a prescribed value set forth in thecustomer's SLA or Service Level Agreement) if services are ultimatelydelivered. Nearly as frustrating as an inability to obtain services isthe provision of poor quality services (i.e., poor user experience, suchas e.g., low Internet data rates, pixelation of video, slow response onuser-initiated commands or requests), which can significantly degrade acustomer's perceptions of the service provider as well as brand loyalty.

Typical current paradigms for service provision by such providerspredominantly fall into two categories; i.e., either (i) sending serviceprovider personnel (e.g., technicians or installers) to the premises toattempt the installation, or (ii) directly mailing “self-install” kitsto potential customers without first knowing whether a viable connectionto the cable network is even available at the customer's premises.

Sending service provider personnel to every customer premises (aka a“truck roll”) is very expensive in terms of MSO resources, andnecessarily involve a great deal of latency (and sometimes userfrustration due to scheduling windows, need to be at the premises duringthe installation, etc.).

Direct mail of self-install kits does have utility from both theperspective of reducing the required number of truck rolls and userscheduling issues; however, if none of the cable outlets at the customerpremises are viable, this approach turns out to be a waste of time andmoney for both the potential customer and the service provider. This isalso true under the truck roll paradigm; sending a technician orinstaller to a premises without knowing whether any viable cable outletsexist is non-optimal, since e.g., the installer may not be able toremedy the deficiencies (e.g., there may be a need to route new coaxialcabling within the premises, relocate devices such as NIDs (networkinterface devices or terminal boxes), or perform other types of repairsor improvements which the installer may not be able to complete (atleast on a single visit).

Additionally, current methods of assessing the viability of cable outletconnections are either “binary” in nature (e.g., go/no-go only as to apresence or absence of an RF signal), or alternatively requirecomplicated devices and/or certain levels technical expertise which areonly reasonably within the realm of service provider technical ortrained installation personnel.

Accordingly, it would be highly beneficial to know in advance of anyinstaller visits or utilization of customer self-install kits whether aparticular customer premises is: (i) connected to the service providernetwork (in a general sense); (ii) has connectivity for one or moredesired rooms or locations within the premises (e.g., the living roomcable outlet may be connected, but the master bedroom is not); and (iii)if the connections or outlets of interest can support the networkservices being installed.

Thus, improved methods and apparatus are needed to address the foregoingissues. Specifically, methods and apparatus are needed that would allowa person of no or limited technical skill to easily determine whetherany given cable or other signal delivery outlet is viable for connectionto a service provider network.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure meets at least the foregoing needs by providing,inter alia, methods and apparatus for testing outlets or cableconnections to determine whether the outlet or connection is able tosupport services of a service provider.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an electronic apparatus configured toevaluate a viability of cable outlets for supporting services from anetwork service provider is disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronicapparatus includes a cable outlet interface (e.g., F-type connector)configured to connect to a cable outlet, and a cable status indicator(e.g., pass/fail indicator).

In one variant, the cable status indicator includes a single LEDconfigured to indicate viable cable connection (pass) with a first colorlight, a non-viable cable connection (fail) with a second color light,and a test in progress with a third color light and/or a blinking light.In one implementation, the first color light is green, the second colorlight is red, and the third color light is amber or yellow.

In another variant, the status indicator includes a plurality of LEDsconfigured to indicate whether a cable outlet connection is viable andan approximate RF spectrum power level detected by the apparatus. Theapproximate power level can, in one variant, indicate the confidence ofthe cable viability determination (i.e., higher RF spectrum powerindicates an ostensibly better connection or higher SNR). In oneimplementation, the plurality of LEDs includes ten LEDs arranged in arow and optionally labeled with associated (graduated) power levels orrelative scale such as “1 through 10”.

In one variant, the cable status indicator includes an audio output. Inone implementation, the audio output may include different tonesconfigured to indicate a status of the cable outlet. For instance, theaudio output may use a single tone to indicate a viable outlet, andmultiple tones (or different frequency tone) to indicate non-viableoutlet. In another implementation, the audio output may use an upwardchanging tone to indicate a viable outlet and a downward changing toneto indicate a non-viable outlet. In yet another implementation, theaudio output may include spoken words (e.g., “good connection” and “badconnection”).

In one embodiment, the electronic test apparatus further includes apower source, a power ON/OFF indicator, and a power ON/OFF switch. Inone variant, the power source is a replaceable battery. In anothervariant, the power source is a rechargeable power source configured toallow wireless (e.g. via electromagnetic induction) or wired (e.g., viaUSB or mini-USB connection) charging.

In one variant, the electronic apparatus is a passive device configuredto detect radiofrequency (RF) signals, and not configured to activelysend any RF signals/pulses. In other variants, the apparatus includes RFsignal generation circuitry configured to generate prescribed RF-bandsignals, such as to enable the testing of cabling within a givenpremises for continuity or connectivity.

In another embodiment, the electronic apparatus includes at least one RFsignal detector and a processing apparatus with logic configured to:evaluate a plurality of signals using the at least one RF signaldetector and, based on the evaluation, determine whether the cableoutlet can support provision of services from a content provider networkat a predetermined level of quality. In one variant, the logic isconfigured to filter out at least one portion of the available RFspectrum from the input of the electronic apparatus prior to evaluatingthe plurality of RF frequencies.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of testing a connection oroutlet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the testing includes scanningand evaluating only a predetermined set of frequencies of an availableRF spectrum. In one variant, the predetermined set of frequenciesincludes channel frequencies associated with channels used by a cablenetwork content provider. The set of frequencies includes for instance apredetermined number of frequencies N, and may exclude at least somechannel frequencies associated with other types of services, e.g.frequencies of channels known to be used by satellite TV providers orover the air (OTA) TV.

In another variant, the predetermined set of frequencies is selectedbased on a geographical region/market of the premises in which the cableoutlet is located. The predetermined set of frequencies can correspondfor example to frequency channels known to be used by the cable networkcontent provider in the geographical region/market. In oneimplementation, the predetermined number of frequencies N varies withthe geographical region.

In one embodiment, the evaluation of each of the plurality of RFfrequencies includes: taking a plurality of RF power measurements at aparticular frequency; comparing the power measurements against apredetermined threshold power; characterizing the signal profile usingthe power measurements; and determining whether the signal on thefrequency is acceptable or not.

In one variant, taking measurements at a particular frequency includestaking measurements within a prescribed range around a centerline ornominal frequency. In one implementation, the range is 6 MHz or 8 MHz intotal bandwidth. In another implementation, the range is 4 MHz, in orderto, e.g. cut off edge or sideband regions. In another implementation,the prescribed ranges are constructed to avoid consideration ofguard-bands between consecutive prescribed carriers.

In another variant, the plurality of power measurements are taken for apredetermined time period at predetermined time intervals. In one suchimplementation, the time period and/or the time intervals are based onthe frequency being evaluated (e.g. measurement interval as a functionof frequency being measured).

In another such implementation, the predetermined number of readings istaken for each frequency (e.g., N readings taken at each frequency). Inother implementations, the number of readings depends on the particularfrequency (e.g., N is a function of frequency).

In another embodiment, comparing the power measurements against apredetermined threshold power includes taking an average of all thereadings taken at a given frequency, and comparing the average thereofagainst a predetermined threshold power. The predetermined thresholdpower may be the same for every frequency channel, or vary with thefrequency channel being evaluated.

In a further embodiment, comparing the power measurements against thepredetermined threshold power includes taking an average of some, butnot all, of the readings taken at a given frequency and comparing theaverage against the predetermined threshold power. In some variants,readings might be discarded/ignored if they are determined to bestatistical outliers, too low, or meet other such criteria.

In one embodiment, the characterizing of the signal profile includesdetermining whether the signal is sufficiently “flat.” In one variant,such flatness is determined by subtracting the lowest power measurementat the frequency from the highest power measurement and comparing theresult against a predetermined threshold number. In other variants,flatness is determined by calculating variance or standard deviationusing the power measurements, and comparing results against apredetermined threshold variance or standard deviation. In oneimplementation, the predetermined threshold number(s) are the same forevery frequency channel. In another implementation, the predeterminedthreshold number(s) are different for different frequency channels.

In another embodiment, a signal of a frequency channel is deemed asacceptable if (i) its power is above the threshold power and (ii) it hasan appropriately “flat” profile. In another embodiment, a signal on afrequency channel is determined to be acceptable if it either has powerabove threshold power or a sufficiently flat profile.

In yet another embodiment, the determination of whether the cable outletcan support provision of services includes (i) determining whether thenumber of acceptable frequency channels is greater than or equal to apredetermined number X, and (ii) finding Y or more consecutive signalsof the tested frequencies are acceptable. In one implementation, X isfifty (50) and Y is four (4).

In one alternative embodiment, the evaluation of the plurality of RFfrequencies includes: measuring signal power on the entire available RFspectrum (instead of scanning only a set of frequencies); and comparingthe obtained power measurements to a threshold power. Measuring signalpower on the entire available RF spectrum can include measuring RF powerof signals of a plurality of frequency bands along the entire availablespectrum, wherein the plurality of frequency bands are related to oneanother by some predetermined interval. In one variant, an average ofthe signal power measured along the entire spectrum is compared to thethreshold power and the determination of whether the cable outlet cansupport provision of services is based on the comparison.

In another alternative embodiment, the evaluation of the plurality of RFfrequencies includes: measuring signal power on the entire available RFspectrum; and comparing individual power measurements against aplurality of predetermined power threshold numbers. The power thresholdnumbers can be the same for every comparison or can vary with thefrequency. In one variant, only a portion of the measured signals iscompared against power threshold numbers. The portion of the measuredsignals can correspond to channel frequencies relevant to a cablenetwork operator.

In yet a further aspect, a method of reducing or eliminating unnecessaryCPE installation attempts is disclosed. In one embodiment, the methodincludes obtaining an indication, prior to attempting installation, ofwhether one or more cable outlets at one or more potential customerpremises can support digital content services provided by a contentnetwork operator via use of a go/no-go testing device provided to thepotential customer by the network operator.

In one variant, the method includes distributing the plurality ofelectronic devices to a plurality of customer premises, wherein each ofthe electronic devices is further configured to determine whether acable outlet can support the digital media services based at least onthe geographical region in which its respective customer premises islocated. In one variant, the plurality of electronic devices includes atleast a first and a second set of electronic devices, the first setconfigured for a first geographical region and the second set configuredto a second geographical region

In another aspect, a method of testing for FWA installation suitabilityis disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes testing an extantcable connection for continuity to a rooftop or external OTA or otherantenna which can be re-purposed for use by the FWA installation.

In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a list of targetfrequencies, measuring and evaluating RF signals on each of the targetfrequencies, and based on the evaluations, determining and indicatingwhether the cable outlet passes or fails the cable connection test. Theselecting the list of target frequencies includes obtaining aconditions/limiting information for the list of target frequencies, suchas at least one of: (i) geographic region, (ii) type or subscriptionlevel, (iii) number of desired frequencies, (iv) minimum frequencyintervals between tested frequencies, or (v) minimum or maximum allowedfrequencies. In one variant, the conditions include only a geographicregion and selecting the list of target frequencies includes: obtaininga list of frequencies used by the cable network operator in thegeographic region; obtaining a list of frequencies used by satellite orOTA TV in the geographic region; and removing conflicting frequencies(present on both lists) from the list of frequencies used by the cablenetwork operator.

In another aspect, a method of generating a list of frequency channelsfor use in a cable viability test is disclosed. In one embodiment, themethod includes obtaining frequency list conditions including one ormore of: (i) location information, (ii) frequency channel informationspecific to a cable network service provider, (iii) number offrequencies, or (iv) types of frequencies. In one variant, the locationinformation includes cable market or service area information, includingdata indicating frequency channels used by cable service providersinside a cable market or service area. In one variant, the frequencychannel information specific to the cable service provider includes dataindicating frequency channels used by the service provider for differentlevels or types of subscription/services offered by the serviceprovider.

In a further aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) device configured tomeasure and evaluate at least portions of an RF spectrum is disclosed.In one embodiment, the integrated circuit is further configured to drivea visual display element to deliver results of the evaluation. In onevariant, the visual display element includes at least one light emittingdiode (LED). In one implementation, the visual display element is singledual color LED. In one variant, the visual display element includes aplurality of LEDs. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit isconfigured to drive audio output to deliver results of the evaluation.In one embodiment, the integrated circuit includes at least onefrequency filter and at least one radio frequency (RF) signal detector.In one variant, the frequency filter is a band pass filter. In oneembodiment, the integrated circuit further includes a power source, andthe integrated circuit is further configured to drive a visual displayor an audio output element to indicate a status of the power source.

In one embodiment, the IC device is embodied as a SoC (system on Chip)device. In another embodiment, an ASIC (application specific IC) is usedas the basis of the device. In yet another embodiment, a chip set (i.e.,multiple ICs used in coordinated fashion) is disclosed. In yet anotherembodiment, the device comprises a multi-logic block FPGA device. In oneembodiment, the integrated circuit is configured to execute a pluralityof functions. In one variant, at least some of the functions areperformed via hardware. In one variant, at least some of the functionsare received in software.

In another aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) device implementing one ormore of the foregoing aspects of RF signal evaluation, frequency listgeneration and/or cable testing is disclosed and described. In oneembodiment, the IC device is embodied as a SoC (system on Chip) device.In another embodiment, an ASIC (application specific IC) is used as thebasis of the device. In yet another embodiment, a chip set (i.e.,multiple ICs used in coordinated fashion) is disclosed. In yet anotherembodiment, the device comprises a multi-logic block FPGA device.

In another aspect, a computer readable storage apparatus implementingone or more of the foregoing aspects is disclosed and described. In oneembodiment, the computer readable apparatus comprises a program memory,or an EEPROM.

In another aspect, a network server process and architecture configuredto interface with customer premises testing equipment is disclosed. Inone embodiment, the server process and architecture utilize a user'spersonal electronics or client device (e.g., tablet or smartphone or PC)to establish communication between the testing device at the premisesand the network server process. In another approach, other extant MSOequipment (e.g., FWA installation or telephony system) is used. One- ortwo-way data can occur between the test device/premises and the MSOprocess in order to facilitate e.g., subsequent installation ortroubleshooting.

These and other aspects shall become apparent when considered in lightof the disclosure provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram illustrating one exemplary localservice node configuration useful with various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1B is a graphical illustration representing a typical prior artFixed Wireless Access (FWA) installation.

FIG. 2 is a logical flow chart illustrating a generalized testing methodaccording to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a logical flow chart illustrating one implementation of thegeneralized method of FIG. 2 , in the context of an HFC cabledistribution network and premises outlet.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of measuring andevaluating a signal at a specific frequency which may be used withvarious aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of another exemplary embodiment of a cabletesting method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of another exemplary embodiment of a cabletesting method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of another exemplary embodiment of a cabletesting method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a cable testing method using a full spectrumpower measurement, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a flow chart of an exemplary method of determining the powerlevel of a full RF spectrum which may be used with various aspects ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of another exemplary embodiment of a cabletesting method using a full spectrum power measurement, in accordancewith the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplaryconfiguration of a cable testing device in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9C are functional block diagrams illustrating variousembodiments of visual user interfaces which may be used on a cabletesting device of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10E are illustrations of one exemplary embodiment of a cabletesting device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10F-10J are illustrations of another exemplary embodiment of acable testing device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11-14 are circuit schematics of one exemplary embodiment of acable testing device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 15-17 are circuit schematics of another exemplary embodiment of acable testing device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a logical block diagram of an exemplary network architectureuseful for illustrating various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of generating a list oftargeted frequencies for use in cable testing method in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure.

All figures © Copyright 2019-2020 Charter Communications Operating, LLC.All rights reserved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

As used herein, the term “application” refers generally and withoutlimitation to a unit of executable software that implements a certainfunctionality or theme. The themes of applications vary broadly acrossany number of disciplines and functions (such as on-demand contentmanagement, e-commerce transactions, brokerage transactions, homeentertainment, calculator etc.), and one application may have more thanone theme. The unit of executable software generally runs in apredetermined environment; for example, the unit could include adownloadable Java Xlet™ that runs within the JavaTV™ environment.

As used herein, the term “client device” includes, but is not limitedto, CPE, set-top boxes (e.g., DSTBs), gateways, modems, personalcomputers (PCs), and minicomputers, whether desktop, laptop, orotherwise, and mobile devices such as handheld computers, PDAs, personalmedia devices (PMDs), tablets, “phablets”, and smartphones, IoT devices,and vehicle infotainment systems.

As used herein, the term “computer program” or “software” is meant toinclude any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which performa function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programminglanguage or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL,PASCAL, Ruby, Python, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML,SGML, XML, VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environmentssuch as the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java™(including J2ME, Java Beans, etc.) and the like.

The term “Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)” refers without limitationto any type of electronic equipment located within a customer's orsubscriber's premises and connected to or in communication with anetwork.

As used herein, the terms “Internet” and “internet” are usedinterchangeably to refer to inter-networks including, withoutlimitation, the Internet.

As used herein, the term “memory” includes any type of integratedcircuit or other storage device adapted for storing digital dataincluding, without limitation, ROM. PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR/2SDRAM, GDDRx, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, “flash” memory (e.g., NAND/NOR),3D memory, and PSRAM.

As used herein, the terms “microprocessor” and “processor” or “digitalprocessor” are meant generally to include all types of digitalprocessing devices including, without limitation, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computers (RISC),general-purpose (CISC) processors, microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g.,FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable computer fabrics (RCFs), array processors,GPUs, secure microprocessors, and application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained on a singleunitary IC die, or distributed across multiple components.

As used herein, the terms “MSO” or “multiple systems operator” refer toa cable, satellite, or terrestrial network provider havinginfrastructure required to deliver services including programming anddata over those mediums.

As used herein, the term “DOCSIS” refers to any of the existing orplanned variants of the Data Over Cable Services InterfaceSpecification, including for example DOCSIS versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0,3.1, and 4.0 (previously, Full Duplex 3.1).

As used herein, the term “headend” or “backend” refers generally to anetworked system controlled by an operator (e.g., an MSO) thatdistributes programming to MSO clientele using client devices, orprovides other services such as high-speed data delivery and backhaul.

As used herein, the term “network interface” refers to any signal ordata interface with a component or network including, withoutlimitation, those of the FireWire (e.g., FW400, FW800, etc.),Thunderbolt, USB (e.g., USB 2.0, USB 3.0, etc.), DisplayPort, NVLink,Ethernet (e.g., 10/100, 10/100/1000 (Gigabit Ethernet), 10-Gig-E, etc.),MoCA, Coaxsys (e.g., TVnet™), radio frequency tuner (e.g., in-band orOOB, cable modem, etc.), Wi-Fi (802.11), WiMAX (802.16), Zigbee®,Z-wave, PAN (e.g., 802.15 or BLE), power line carrier (PLC), or IrDAfamilies.

As used herein, the term “QAM” refers to modulation schemes used forsending signals over cable networks. Such modulation scheme might useany constellation level (e.g. QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM, etc.)depending on details of a cable network. A QAM may also refer to aphysical channel modulated according to the schemes.

As used herein, the term “storage” refers to without limitation computerhard drives, SSDs, DVR devices, flash drives, memory, RAID devices orarrays, optical media (e.g., CD-ROMs, Laserdiscs, Blu-Ray, etc.), or anyother devices or media capable of storing content or other information.

As used herein, the term “wireless” means any wireless signal, data,communication, or other interface including without limitation Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, 3G (3GPP/3GPP2), HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA, CDMA (e.g., IS-95A,WCDMA, etc.), FHSS, DSSS, GSM, PAN/802.15, WiMAX (802.16), 802.20,Zigbee®, Z-wave, narrowband/FDMA, OFDM, PCS/DCS, LTE/LTE-A, 5G NR,analog cellular, CDPD, satellite systems, millimeter wave or microwavesystems, acoustic, and infrared (i.e., IrDA).

Overview

The present disclosure provides, inter alia, improved methods andapparatus for performing a test of a connection such as via an outlet orterminal in order to determine whether the connection can supportdelivery of certain content and services from a service provider.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic deviceconfigured to evaluate a cable outlet (e.g., one used for delivery ofcable television or broadband services over a coaxial cable) isprovided. The electronic device is configured to detect and evaluate RFsignals from the cable outlet to which the device is connected toprovide a “pass/fail” indication, such as via a single dual color LED oraudio tone(s). In one implementation, the electronic device passivelymeasures RF signals which may be present on the cable outlet, and lacksthe ability to send any RF signals (e.g., upstream on the cable). Theelectronic device is configured to perform the detection and evaluationof RF signals internally on the device via one or more evaluationalgorithms which can assess whether viable cable television signals arepresent, and optionally whether other signals such as OTA broadcasttelevision signals or satellite signals are present . . .

In one exemplary approach, signals are measured at a number of targetfrequencies only, and the power and characteristics of the measuredsignals evaluated by the aforementioned device in order to make thedetermination of cable outlet or service provision viability. The targetfrequencies may be selected so as to include frequencies (includingprescribed groups of frequencies with specific characteristics) used bycable service providers generally (or the specific service providerindividually), and exclude frequencies used by satellite systems or OTAbroadcasters. These lists may be further refined based on geography ormarkets within which the premises being tested is located.

The cable testing device advantageously can be constructed usingcomparatively low-cost components and distributed by a service providerto potential customer premises prior to attempting installation/setup ofcable services, thereby potentially obviating unnecessary installationcalls or “truck rolls” to the premises. For example, a cable testingdevice may be distributed to potential customer premises (via directmail to the customer, or with an installer/technician) in order todetermine: (i) whether cable service is possible at the premises givenits current configuration, (ii) what levels or types of service arepossible, and (iii) whether particular cable outlets within the premisesare acceptable/preferable for delivery of the cable services.

In other variants, possible installation or troubleshooting of serviceprovider-based wireless systems (e.g., CBRS Fixed Wireless Accessdevices or the like) at customer premises can be evaluated, such as todetermine whether coaxial cabling or other infrastructure within thepremises is suitable to support a rooftop or other wireless premisesdevice (e.g., via detection of OTA broadcast signals indicating signalcontinuity between the tested outlet and an extant rooftop OTA antennaor FWA device).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the presentdisclosure are now described in detail. While these exemplaryembodiments are described in the context of obtaining the readiness orsuitability status of coaxial cable connections with respect to cablenetwork services or providers, the methods of the present disclosure maybe applied to other types of connections and other types ofcontent/service providers.

It will also be appreciated that while described generally in thecontext of a network providing service to a customer or consumer or enduser or subscriber (i.e., within a prescribed service area, venue, orother type of premises), the present disclosure may be readily adaptedto other types of environments including, e.g., outdoors,commercial/retail, or enterprise domain (e.g., businesses), or evengovernmental uses. Yet other applications are possible.

It will also be appreciated that while described primarily in thecontext of initial installation of service provider equipment orestablishment of services, the exemplary embodiments of the methods andapparatus set forth herein may be readily adapted by those of ordinaryskill to other types of use cases or scenarios, including for examplepost-installation or service-establishment troubleshooting and/orremediation.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will immediatelybe recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art with reference tothe attached drawings and detailed description of exemplary embodimentsas given below.

Method—

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a generalized method for cabletesting according to the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2 , the method 200includes first determining one or more evaluation criteria and selectingone or more test parameters. For instance, depending on the application(e.g., coaxial cable from a cable plant, or associated with an FWAinstallation) and the premises (e.g., location, type of servicesavailable, etc.), different criteria may be employed as part of the testregime. In one variant, the test criteria and parameters are pre-loadedinto a test device 900 (see e.g., the embodiments of FIGS. 9-17 herein)such as in a memory or storage device thereof, so that the end user isnot required to select or enter any such data for ease of operation andconsistency. In another variant, multiple sets of criteria/parametersare loaded into the device memory such the device can be used inmultiple different types of settings or applications, as described ingreater detail subsequently herein.

At step 204, the test device is electrically connected to the testlocation or outlet (e.g., via a an F-Type or other such standardizedconnector).

At step 206, any RF signals present on the connector are evaluated inlight of the evaluation criteria of step 202. In the illustratedembodiment, multiple criteria are utilized (i.e., criteria 1 through N,where N>1), and are applied in sequence, although this sequencing is nota requirement (e.g., it is contemplated that two or more test of the Ntotal tests may be performed in parallel). Moreover, the presentdisclosure contemplates test hierarchies depending on the criteriaselected (e.g., for one test regime having N criteria, the order oftesting may be different than that of another regime for anotherapplication and having M criteria, and so forth).

Per steps 208 and 210, the various criteria are evaluated, and any onefailing its respective test produces a failure condition (step 211A) andsubsequent remediation per step 212. Alternatively, if all N criteriaare met, then a pass condition (211B) is produced, and theequipment/service installation process may be continued per step 214.

FIG. 2A illustrates one exemplary implementation of the method of FIG. 2, specifically in the context of coaxial cable testing.

As shown, the method 220 of FIG. 2A is performed using a plurality oftargeted frequencies.

At step 221 of the method 220, a list of target frequencies is selected.In one embodiment, the list of target/desired frequencies may be storedin the device 900 as previously described. In another embodiment, thelist of target frequencies is provided to the device 900 from anexternal source (e.g., a cable network server through the Internet, anapplication/program associated with the device 900, a BLE (Bluetooth LowEnergy) or other wireless interface to another device, etc.).

In one embodiment, a single list of frequencies is preselected andpreprogrammed for the device 900 by the device manufacturer/provider(based on e.g., the user's location and market and services availablethereto), so that no selection is necessary during the cable test.

In another embodiment, the cable testing device 900 selects a list oftargeted frequencies from several available/stored lists of frequenciesduring the cable test 220. In one variant, the selection is made on thebasis of user input. For example, a user of the device 900 can selecttheir current geographical location or a desired level of cablesubscription. In another variant, the selection is performedautonomously by the device 900 during the cable test 220. For example,the device 900 can determine a geographical region in which the testedcable outlet is located (e.g., via a wireless connection to anotherdevice or an initial analysis of the signals available on the cable, orvia indigenous GPS receiver or other such location device, or even viaassociation with a WLAN or other access point of known IP address andhence location).

In step 222, the test device 900 tunes into a first target frequency onthe target list. The device 900 can tune into the targeted frequency by,for instance, using a band pass filter to reject/attenuate allfrequencies above and below a prescribed frequency range (e.g., 57 MHzto 1000 MHz, corresponding to bands having traditional cable 6 MHz wideQAMs utilized in North America, or 8 MHz QAMs used in Europe) centeredon the target frequency, the latter selected based on a known orpre-existing frequency plan utilized by the cable operator. If thenominal center frequencies of each channel are not known a priori, thepresent disclosure contemplates use of an energy detection/correlationapproach (e.g., akin to that used in CDMA systems) to identify thepresence of signals within a prescribed frequency band. In another moresophisticated embodiment, some signal processing may be applied to theRF signals before, after, or instead of applying the band pass filter(e.g. filtering of signals using an FFT, akin to an OFDM receiver). Assuch, it will be recognized that varying levels of complexity may beused within the testing device's RF receiver, including even heterodyneapproaches (e.g., down-conversion to baseband, and subsequent processingof baseband signals by e.g., a DSP or baseband chipset).

Note also that the method 220 may use a smaller bandwidth centeredaround a target frequency in order to avoid detecting any noise and/orsideband transmission regions (e.g., at edges of the designated band).

In one embodiment, the frequency range may be a preselected for thecable testing device (e.g., during manufacture/programming of thealgorithm). In one variant thereof, the preselected range is constantfor every target frequency of the list to be evaluated. In anothervariant, different ranges are preselected for and applied to differenttarget frequencies, such as for cases where different channel widths maybe present.

In step 224, the device 900 measures and evaluates the RF signal power(i.e. the peak and/or integrated amplitude of the signal) at thetargeted frequency. Details of exemplary implementations of measurementand evaluation steps are discussed further in the disclosure (FIG. 3 ).The evaluation portion of step 224 is used to determine whether thetargeted frequency has a sufficient signal quality for provision ofcontent/services over the cable connection by a cable network provider.An indication of the results of the frequency evaluation for each targetfrequency can be temporarily stored within the device, such as within amemory thereof. In one embodiment, only indications ofacceptable/sufficient signals are stored. In addition, an indicationthat a particular frequency has been measured and evaluated can also berecorded (e.g., the data may be logged in association with a channelnumber or frequency so as to facilitate subsequent analysis, includingby cable headend or other personnel or processes such as applicationcomputer programs accessible to the user via Internet).

In step 226, the device 900 determines whether all the targetfrequencies on the list or profile have been measured and evaluated. Ifsome of the target frequencies have not yet been measured, the device istuned to the next target frequency (step 227).

In one embodiment, steps 222-227 are performed in series by a single RFdetector/front end within the cable testing device 900 and are appliedto all frequencies in the list of target frequencies.

In another embodiment, the list of target frequencies may be separatedinto two or more smaller lists which are separately processed by two ormore RF detectors. For example, a low-frequency list may be processed bya first RF detector circuit adapted for a certain range of frequencies,and a high-frequency list may be processed by a second RF detectoradapted for higher frequencies. In one variant, the first and second RFdetectors are optimized to measure/evaluate specific ranges offrequencies (e.g., first RF detector can better process low frequencysignals and the second RF detector can better process high frequencysignals).

Once all of the target frequencies have been measured and evaluated, themethod 220 proceeds to step 228.

In step 228, the number of acceptable or passing frequency channels iscompared against one or more predetermined threshold values.

In one exemplary embodiment, the threshold number of acceptable signalsis selected to be higher than a number of frequency channels that may beused by over the air (OTA) antennas (i.e., so as to eliminate thepossibility that the received RF signals are from an OTA broadcaster),yet lower than a number of channels used by a cable network serviceprovider (e.g., the MSO issuing the device 900 to the customer). Forexample, cable network service providers typically employ at least fifty(50) individual or discrete frequency channels, while OTA TV antennastypically don't exceed thirty (30) channels. Therefore, the thresholdnumber of acceptable signals may be set to fifty for this example.

In other embodiments, the threshold number of acceptable frequencychannels can be set higher or lower than fifty. If needed, the thresholdnumber may be set higher or lower in order to change the “sensitivity”of the cable testing device 900. For example, setting the thresholdnumber to seventy (70) can increase the certainty that a test “pass”result generated by the cable testing device 900 is correct, but mightalso result in the cable testing device mistakenly failing someotherwise useable cable connections. Conversely, setting the thresholdnumber to thirty-five (35) in the foregoing example scenario might leadto the device 900 providing passing results to some number ofunacceptable cable connections. In prototype testing of the device 900by the Assignee hereof, setting the threshold number to fifty (50) hasbeen determined to provide accurate but not unduly stringent cableconnection suitability results.

In some embodiments, the threshold number of acceptable signals can varybetween different applications, such as for different cable markets(i.e., geographical regions) in order to account for (i) differentnumbers of frequency channels used by OTA TV broadcasters, and/or (ii)different cable network providers or RF channel configurations withinthe different regions. In some embodiments, the threshold number ofacceptable discrete signals depends on the list of frequencies itself(e.g., if the number of tested frequencies is lower, the thresholdnumber is scaled to a correspondingly lower value).

It will further be appreciated that different hierarchies or testingregimes can be applied to different portions of the RF spectrum carriedover the measured medium (e.g., coaxial cable). For instance, it iscontemplated that in the future, higher frequencies will be utilized onthe cable medium (e.g., up to 1.6 GHz and beyond), since extant cableinstallations are physically capable of such performance (with certainmodifications such as change of amplifier sand tap configurations).Moreover, some frequency bands such as for DOCSIS 4.0 may bereprogrammable and vary from a traditional “static” model. As such,these “next generation” services delivered at higher frequencies mayutilize different modulation and coding schemes (e.g., ODFM, 256-QAMversus 64-QAM, etc.), and may vary as a function of time, application,service provider, and market as well as other factors. Hence, a testregime which may be effective at e.g., traditional frequencies and MCSvalues may not be so for next generation services, and as such two (ormore) different regimes are contemplated for use by the device 900 insuch cases. For example, average or peak power within a 64-QAM 6 MHzchannel may be different than that of a 256-QAM signal of a differentfrequency bandwidth, and as such errant results may be obtained from oneor the other if a “one-size fits all” approach is utilized.

If in step 228, it is determined that there are fewer good signals thanthe threshold number (e.g., fewer than 50 good signals), the connectionis determined to have failed the test (step 231A). The cable testingdevice then indicates the failed test to the user of the device via auser interface. User display elements are described later in thedisclosure (e.g., with respect to FIGS. 9A-9C).

If in step 228, it is determined that the number of good signals isgreater than or equal to the threshold number, the algorithm moves tostep 230.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, repeat testing of thesame frequency or band per steps 224-228 can be performed, whether insequence or as part of a repetition of a larger testing pattern, such asto verify accuracy or repeatability of test results, or foraveraging/peak detection purposes. For instance, in one variant,multiple measurements may be obtained for the same test frequency insequence (e.g., separated by a prescribed testing interval), after whichthe algorithm moves on to the next frequency in the test pattern.Alternatively, the algorithm may cycle through the entire test regime(or portions thereof), and then repeat one or more times to gatheradditional data. As another alternative, the algorithm may be configuredto evaluate one or more data values obtained (e.g., where an ambiguousor highly variable set of data is obtained for a given frequency), andmake a data-dependent decision on whether to gather additional datapoints or not. Myriad other such variations will be appreciated by thoseof ordinary skill given the present disclosure.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, at step 230 of method, the cable testingdevice 900 determines whether a threshold number of consecutive goodsignals has been found. In other words, the method seeks to determinewhether out of all the tested/targeted frequencies, four consecutivefrequencies have been deemed acceptable. The assignee hereof hasdetermined in prototype testing that in some scenarios, setting thethreshold number of consecutive good signals to four (4) leads toaccurate results. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, this testis used to distinguish over-the-air (broadcast) TV signals from cablesignals, since the TV signal levels are usually highly variable, andonly rarely are there more than a given number (e.g., 4) consecutiveactive signals in such signals. Hence, the test is configured for N(e.g. 4) adjacent active/good signals with RF levels falling within 5 dBof each other. Notwithstanding, it will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill that a different threshold number of consecutive goodsignals may be set for e.g., different geographical markets, frequencyuse plans, or to adjust the “sensitivity” of the cable testing device.

The threshold number of consecutive good signals may be constant, oralternatively may be varied, such as depending on the total number oftarget frequencies, the geographical location of the test, frequencyplan used for providing the proposed services, or other parameters. Inone embodiment, the threshold number of consecutive good signals dependson the total number of good signals. For example, the test of step 3300may be more exacting (i.e., require more consecutive good signals) ifthe total number of good signals found on the connection in totality islower. In one implementation, the threshold number of consecutive goodsignals is inversely related (e.g., proportional) to the number of goodsignals measured by the device 900.

In another implementation, the threshold number is related to the totalnumber of consecutive sequences identified (e.g., if more than Nindividual consecutive sequences of 4 are identified, then the test isdeemed to pass).

If threshold number (e.g., four) of consecutive good frequencies has notbeen found, the cable connection or outlet is determined to have failedthe test (step 231A). If threshold number of consecutive goodfrequencies has been found, the cable connection or outlet is determinedto have passed the test (step 231B), and the cable testing device 900indicates the pass to a user of the device via a user interface/displayelement.

In one variant, the device 900 can select (i) any or none of the list offrequencies, (ii) the threshold of good signals (total), and/or (iii)the threshold of consecutive good signals, based various parameters(e.g., geographical market, cable subscription level, desired services,etc.). For instance, a prospective “basic cable” service plan mightwarrant testing of only a limited number of frequencies within aprescribed portion of the service frequency plan for a given serviceprovider within a given geographic region or market, whereas a premiumsubscription service might necessitate a broader degree of testing, aswell as additional signal quality (described in greater detailsubsequently herein).

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method 224 of measuring and evaluatingthe signal on a particular frequency f. This method can be used forexample to perform step 224 in the cable testing method of FIG. 2A.

In step 302 of the method, the RF signal within the designated frequencyrange is measured by the cable testing device 900. To obtain both a moreaccurate power measurement of the RF signal at the target frequency anda profile of the signal, the RF signal may be measured several times ina row, such as within successive temporal periods. In one embodiment, aplurality of measurements can be taken within a preselected time frameat preselected time intervals. The time frame and/or the time intervalsmay depend for example on the particular target frequency. In anothervariant, the time frame and/or the time intervals are constant for allfrequencies.

In step 304, the power of the signal is determined based on themeasurements of step 302 and evaluated. In one embodiment, the power isdetermined by taking the mean or average of all the power measurementsobtained in step 302. In another embodiment, the power of the signal isdetermined by averaging only a portion of the available measurements(e.g., using only the upper half of the measurements, only using the topN measurements, discarding measurements that appear to be outliers,etc.). In another embodiment, the power can be determined by taking aweighted average of the power measurements. For example, lower powermeasurements might not be disregarded, but higher power measurements maybe given more weight than lower power measurements. In yet anotherembodiment, the power of the signal is obtained by simply taking the topor peak power measurement obtained in step 112.

Yet other measures or tests may be used in place of or in conjunctionwith the foregoing, including for example determination that a givensignal (or group of signals) falls within a prescribed range (e.g., thesignal power must be within a range of ±14 dBmV) for the signal to beconsidered acceptable.

After the power of the RF signal is calculated, it is compared against apredetermined threshold acceptable power level.

If the calculated power is below the threshold power value, for thepurposes of the current evaluation, the RF signal at frequency f isconsidered an unacceptable signal (step 308A). If the calculated poweris equal to or greater than the threshold power, the method moves on tostep 306.

In step 306, the shape/profile of the signal is determined andevaluated. Since digital cable channels typically use quadratureamplitude modulation (QAM), the method of FIG. 2A in one variant seeksto determine whether the given measured signal has a profile similar toa QAM signal (for instance, a “flat” profile within a prescribed portionof the measured frequency band). In one variant, successive measurementsare utilized to determine flatness or consistency in the temporal domain(e.g., are the measured RF signal levels similar, thereby indicatingQAM-modulated signals, or have a wide variance, thereby potentiallyindicating OTA TV or other similar signals). This testing can helpdifferentiate the digital cable network signals from over the air (OTA)antenna signals, the RF signal profile of which may tend to have agreater degree of variability more peaks and valleys.

In one embodiment, the method includes determining whether the signalhas a sufficiently flat profile by calculating variance or standarddeviation of the power (amplitude) measurements obtained in step 302 asa function of time or another parameter (e.g., frequency), and comparingthe result to a predetermined threshold variance or threshold standarddeviation, respectively. For example, in one implementation, consecutiveQAM signal levels should be largely consistent, and hence 4 consecutivegood signals that are all within 5 dB of one another are used as a basisfor a “pass/fail” determination. Alternatively, characteristics such asfrequency versus amplitude may be used to further identify qualifyingsignals.

The predetermined threshold(s) can be constant, or can vary withdifferent frequencies or over time. In another embodiment, the flatnessis determined by simply subtracting the highest measured power from thelowest measured power, and comparing the result against a predeterminedthreshold number. Other ways of determining whether a desired signalprofile exists, as well as other ways of determining whether signalcharacteristics resemble QAM signals or other types of modulation (suchas QPSK) may be used consistent with the current disclosure.

If it is determined that the measured RF signal is not sufficiently flat(or otherwise does not have the desired profile or characteristics), theRF signal is determined to be unacceptable (step 308A). If the RF signalcharacteristics are sufficiently flat/acceptable, the signal is countedper step 308B. The results of the method 224 (i.e. good/bad signal atfrequency f) may be stored within the device 900 for later use, ortransmitted off-board as described in greater detail subsequentlyherein. It should be noted that steps 304 and 306 can be performed inreverse order, or in parallel if desired, or even integrated into acommon step.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary method 400 for determining thestatus of a cable outlet connection, and providing a cable pass or cablefail result. The method 400 is similar to the method 220 described withrespect to FIG. 2A; however, the consecutive verification step 230 isskipped such that the cable testing device deems the cable as passingthe test if a threshold number of good frequency channels is found (step408), regardless of where the frequency channels are found. If enough(e.g., more than or equal to fifty) good signals are detected, the cabletest is passed (step 410B). If not, the cable test is failed (step410A).

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate exemplary methods 500 and 600 of determining thestatus of a cable connection and providing cable pass or fail results,specifically for different potential types of services. For example, afirst type of cable subscription service may produce a first number ofspecific channel frequencies get viable signals, the next service mayproduce a smaller number of specific channel frequencies, and yetanother service may produce an even small number of channel frequencies.This may in some cases correspond generally to the number of channelsafforded to a subscriber via each service. As a brief aside, a networkprocess such as a CMTS typically determines which QAM channels areactive for a given service, and hence the number of QAM channels presenton the connection may in some cases be correlated to a particularservice. Moreover, the methods of FIGS. 5-6 may be used to provideinformation about how many channels are active in a particularneighborhood, city, market, etc.

Further, the cable testing device 900 can be used to test a cable outletagainst (i) different lists of frequencies that are wholly independentfrom one another (i.e., have no overlap or common frequencies), and/or(ii) that are associated with something other than cable subscriptionlevels. For instance, in one embodiment, the different frequency listsmay correspond to different types of services or functions such asDOCSIS, cable video (aka “in band” services), OOB (out of band) orsideband communications, VoIP (to the degree that they are allocatedonto something other than e.g., DOCSIS bands), or even bands associatedwith FWA or similar devices (e.g., that are at wireless transmissionfrequencies, or have been down-converted to baseband before beingtransmitted over a coaxial cable within the premises.

As such, different lists of relevant RF channels or frequencies can bedeveloped for each different type of service (or even in some casessubscription level, where such level can be correlated to a differentchannel or QAM profile), such that a representative fraction or samplingof the channels of each type or level can be conducted. A given premisesor cable outlet may provide a connection that fails the test for a firsttype of service (e.g., a highest possible cable subscription, or aservice having a given frequency or channel profile), but would still beable to support a different or other level of service (e.g., lessprogram and RF channels), especially where the disabilities affectingthe first service or higher subscription level are associated with acommon portion of the total spectrum (e.g., where the lower end of thespectrum delivered by the cable is fine, and the “basic” cable programchannels are all mapped to QAMs within that lower end). In oneembodiment, the results of the methods 170/180 of FIGS. 5-6 may beprovided to a user of the device 900 via a user interface shown in FIG.9C.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 of determining the status of a cableconnection for various types of services or levels of cablesubscriptions in which a first list of frequencies corresponds to theminimum number of strong signal channel frequencies that a cable shouldexhibit in order to receive e.g., a first type of service or cablechannel subscription with the least number of channels. In oneembodiment, the second list of frequencies corresponds to a largernumber of channel frequencies (e.g., needed to provide a differentservice type and/or higher tier cable subscription) and includes thefirst list of frequencies. The third list of frequencies is larger thanand includes the second list of frequencies. The frequencies in allthree lists may be specific to a particular cable content provider(i.e., the cable content provider associated with the device 900).Alternatively, the different lists or profiles may be used to confirmthe presence of a particular type of service (e.g., within a prescribedgeographic region).

In step 502 of the method 500, a first list of frequencies is checked bythe cable testing device 900. This step may be performed for exampleusing the methods described with respect to FIG. 2 or 2A, or the methoddescribed with respect to FIG. 4 . The predetermined threshold for“good” signals and sufficient consecutive good signals used in themethods of FIGS. 2 and 4 may depend on the particular list offrequencies; e.g. the thresholds may be lowered for smaller lists. Thefirst list of frequencies may correspond to for instance a prescribedservice type or first, smallest set of channels offered by a cablecontent provider (e.g., basic channels).

If the cable connection is not deemed viable for the first list offrequencies, the cable testing device 900 may indicate that the cablehas failed the test for all three lists (step 503). This may beaccomplished by turning three LEDs that correspond to three differenttypes or levels red. If the cable is deemed viable for the first list offrequencies, the cable testing device may determine that the cableoutlet/connection can at least support a first service type or level ofsubscription and move on to step 504.

In step 504, the cable connection is assessed using the second list offrequencies. If the cable is not deemed viable for the second list offrequencies, the cable testing device can indicate that the cable canonly support the minimum channels at the first service type or lowestlevel of subscription (as previously determined in step 502). This maybe accomplished by lighting a first LED indicating this type/level green(step 505), and either leaving the other LEDs off or turning them red.If instead the cable outlet passes the cable test using the second listof frequencies, the method 500 determines that it can at least supportthe first two types of service or levels of cable subscription, andmoves on to step 506.

In one variant of step 504, the cable testing device performs a new testof the cable (using e.g., the method 220 of FIG. 2A) using the entireset of frequencies in the second list. In another variant, the methoddoes not check any of the frequencies that have already been checked instep 502, but rather uses the results of step 502 to supplement the testof step 504. In other words, the cable testing device performs a newtest of the cable using all the frequencies of the second list, exceptthose that overlap with the first list.

In step 506, the cable signals are checked against the third list offrequencies. In one variant, the cable is checked only for frequenciesin the third list that were not also found in either of the first twolists. If the cable does not pass inspection using the third list offrequencies, the cable testing device 900 can indicate that the cableconnection can only support the first two service types/levels ofsubscription by e.g., lighting corresponding first two LEDs green (step507). If the cable does pass inspection using this third (and largest)list of frequencies, the cable testing device determines and indicatesthat the cable has passed inspection for all three types/levels by, e.g.lighting all three corresponding LEDs green or lighting the third LEDgreen (step 508).

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the method 600 of determiningthe status of a cable connection for various types of service or levelsof subscriptions. The method 600 is similar to the method 500 of FIG. 5, except that the more complete list of frequencies is checked first,and the shortest/minimal list of frequencies is checked last.

In step 602 of the method 600, the first list of frequencies is used toassess the cable connection. In one embodiment, this is accomplishedusing the method 220 of FIG. 2A. If the cable passes inspection usingthe first (full) list of frequencies, the cable is determined to supportall types of service or levels of subscription and the cable testingdevice gives an indication of this by, e.g. lighting green all threeLEDs corresponding to the types/levels (step 603). If the cable does notpass the test in step 602, the method 600 proceeds to step 604.

In step 604, the second list of frequencies is used to assess the cableconnection. If the cable passes inspection using the second list offrequencies, the cable is determined to (ostensibly) support the twolower types or levels of subscription. The cable testing device canindicate this by lighting LEDs corresponding to the two lowertypes/levels green (step 605). If the cable does not pass inspectionduring step 604, the method proceeds to step 606.

In step 606, the cable connection is tested using the third set offrequencies similar to steps 602 and 604. If the cable passes the testin step 6066, it is determined that it can support only one type ofservice or lowest level of subscription. This is indicated to the userin step 607. If the cable fails the test in step 606, the cable testingdevice 900 can indicate that the cable cannot support any service/levelof subscription, and provide on indication of this to the user by, e.g.,lighting all indicator LEDs red (step 608).

It should be noted that although the methods 500 and 600 of FIGS. 5 and6 respectively illustrate three types of service or levels of cablesubscription, there may be a different number of types/levels (e.g.,two, or more than three) to which the methods of FIGS. 5 and 6 would beequally applicable.

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary method 700 for determining thestatus of a cable connection and providing a test “pass” or test “fail”result. Unlike the previously described methods, the method 700 of FIG.7 does not scan specifically target frequency channels (i.e.,corresponding to particular known QAM channels or the like), but ratherevaluates swathes of spectrum to determine whether a sufficient level ofRF energy is present therein. Per step 702, the cable testing device 900measures the RF power level of the full spectrum (or designated portionsthereof). This may be accomplished by taking a predetermined number ofpower measurements throughout the frequency spectrum, as will bedescribed later with respect to FIG. 7A.

In step 704, the method 700 next determines whether the measured RFpower level is greater than an acceptable power level (or otherwisemeets one or more prescribed criteria). The acceptable power level maybe for example a threshold power level that has been predetermined toindicate an acceptable cable connection based on known cable propertiesand performance characteristics.

If the power level of the measured spectrum is higher than or equal tothe acceptable power threshold, the cable passes the test (step 706B).If the power level of the spectrum is lower than the acceptablethreshold, the cable fails the test (step 706A). The cable testingdevice 900 can provide an indication of a pass or fail using e.g., auser interface as described with respect to FIG. 9A.

In one embodiment, the method 700 may be used in addition to one of themethods previously described in FIGS. 2-6 in order to verify orsupplement the result(s) of the tests, or vice versa.

FIG. 7A illustrates one exemplary implementation of the method 702 fordetermining the RF power level of a full spectrum per FIG. 7 . Themethod of FIG. 7A scans through all or portions of the total RF spectrumprovided to an RF detector of the test device 900. In one embodiment, apredetermined number of power/amplitude measurements are made of thespectrum within different frequency bands or swathes (e.g., from 200 to300 MHz, 400-600 MHz, etc.), such as via tuning of a wideband RFtuner/detector circuit to such band, or alternatively using a morenarrowband detector circuit to iterate throughout the spectrum. Thisapproach has the advantage of not requiring any (or extensive) a prioriknowledge or list of channels/frequencies used within a given geographyor region or by a particular provider; rather, the presence ofsufficient RF power or energy within certain bands of the cable can beused as an indicator of the presence of cable television or DOCSISsignals, or alternatively of confirmation of OTA or satellite signals.Conversely, the absence of such sufficient energy in certain bands maybe used to support the hypothesis of no such cable, DOCSIS, OTA orsatellite signals within that area (at least being received over thecable connection being tested).

In another embodiment, the RF spectrum present on the tested cable maybe divided into two or more portions (e.g., low frequency and highfrequency) which may be separately processed by two or more RFdetectors. The results of multiple RF detectors can then be logicallycombined.

Per step 722, the RF power associated with a first designated sub-bandof the spectrum of interest is measured, such as via a detector tuned orconfigured (e.g., via filtration on its front end) to operate in thatsub-band. For example, the cable testing device 900 may scan 50 MHz to800 MHz at equal predetermined intervals of 10 MHz (i.e., 50 MHz, 60 MHz. . . 790 MHz, 800 MHz). This method does not require the device tostore a list of targeted frequencies; rather, the device 900 candetermine the upper and lower limits of the RF spectrum (such as viastored data in the device memory, or the physical limits of thedetector), and use the predetermined interval to scan the RF spectrumsub-bands from a lower to upper limit (or vice versa).

In step 726, it is determined whether the full range of the RF spectrumhas been scanned (e.g., has the upper limit of the spectrum beenreached). If the entire RF spectrum has not been scanned, the method 702proceeds to step 728.

In step 730, the device 900 tunes (or filters) to the next frequencysub-band within the spectrum. In one embodiment, this constitutes addinga predetermined number (e.g., 10 MHz) to the previous center or nominalfrequency.

If in step 726, it is determined that the RF spectrum has been scanned,the method proceeds to step 728, wherein full spectrum power iscalculated using the previously collected power measurements of each ofthe sub-bands. In one embodiment, the full spectrum power level can becalculated by taking an average or a weighted average of all or some ofthe measurements collected in step 722. In some variants, each sub-bandis evaluated “go/no-go” (i.e., the averaged or weighted power for thatsub-band is compared to a minimum threshold to determine whether it issufficient or not). In other variants, the power measurements of thedifferent sub-bands are weighted and averaged, and the average comparedto a single threshold value. Yet other approaches will be recognized bythose of ordinary skill given the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method 800 of determining the status ofa cable outlet connection and providing (i) cable fail/pass results and(ii) an indication of the measured power level. In one embodiment, thecable testing device 300 can indicate N different power levels andutilize a user interface such as the interface 902B shown in FIG. 9B andthe LED driver circuit shown in FIG. 17 , both described subsequentlyherein. In one embodiment, ten (10) different power levels are used, asshown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 RF Power Level LED LED DCV on on Display designator color RV_LvldBm dBmV D1 Green 2.1 −14.75 34 D2 Green 1.96 −18.75 30 D3 Green 1.82−22.75 26 D4 Green 1.68 −26.75 22 D5 Green 1.54 −30.75 18 D6 Green 1.4−34.75 14 D7 Red 1.26 −38.75 10 D8 Red 1.12 −42.75 6 D9 Red 0.98 −46.752 D10 Red 0.84 −50.75 −2

In step 802 of the method 800, the RF power of the full spectrum isdetermined, such as by using the method of FIGS. 7 and 7A.

In step 804, the RF power level is compared against a firstpredetermined threshold RF power level N. In one implementation, thefirst threshold RF power is 34 dBmV, as indicated in Table 1.

If the measured power level is greater than or equal to a firstpredetermined threshold power level N (e.g., 34 dBmV for the first loopof the method), then an LED N corresponding to that power level isturned on (step 806). In another embodiment, the LED N corresponding tothe power level and all LEDs (1 through N−1) corresponding to lowerpower levels may be turned on in step 806. The cable testing device 900can use e.g., the circuitry shown in FIG. 17 to drive ten indicator LEDs(D1-D10) corresponding to ten power levels.

In one embodiment, if the current predetermined threshold power N ishigher than a predetermined acceptable power level (i.e., the signalpower level indicating that the cable outlet can support cableservices), the corresponding LED(s) can be turn green in order toadditionally indicate that the cable outlet has passed the cableconnection test. If the current predetermined threshold power N is lowerthan the predetermined acceptable power level, the corresponding LED(s)can be turned red to indicate that the cable outlet has not passed thetest.

If per step 804 it is determined that the power level is smaller thanthe predetermined threshold power, then per step 808 it is determinedwhether smaller predetermined threshold power levels are available forcomparison.

If other threshold power levels are available for comparison, then instep 810, the next largest power level (threshold power N−1) isselected. In one implementation, as shown in Table 1, if the power levelis determined to be less than 34 dBmV, the next tested threshold powerwill be 30 dBmV.

Returning to step 804, the measured power level is compared against thecurrent predetermined threshold power (e.g., 30 dBmV), as describedsupra.

Steps 804-810 are repeated until the lowest predetermined power level isreached. If the power level is not greater than or equal than the lowestpredetermined power level, the cable testing device 900 may indicatethat the weakest possible signal is present or that no signal is present(with e.g. a red LED 1 corresponding to the lowest power) per step 812.

Testing Device—

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary portable cabletesting device 900 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Itwill be appreciated that while illustrated as a portable battery-poweredconsumer device (which may be inexpensively manufactured and distributedto customers or prospective customers of a service provider), the devicemay also take on other forms, including for example (i) as a morecapable device integrated with other installer test equipment, (ii) aspart of a DSTB, gateway (e.g., residential or IoT gateway), FWAapparatus, or other CPE which will ultimately be installed at thepremises, (iii) as a removable card or “dongle” which may be used withanother device (e.g., with a USB or micro-USB interface so that it maybe plugged into a port of a smartphone or tablet or PC, and interfacewith application programs thereon).

In one embodiment, the cable testing device 900 may include a digitalprocessor and associated logic 906, one or more user interface elements904, one or more power sources 902, and a cable interface 912, as wellas an RF signal detector 908, mass storage device 907, and internalmemory 910 (e.g., internal cache and program memories). In one variant,the device 900 includes multiple RF signal detectors 908 that areconfigured to evaluate different parts or bands of the RF spectrum(e.g., one for lower frequencies, and one for higher frequencies, or onefor certain designated bands ostensibly having certain RFcharacteristics, and one for other bands with other characteristics).The internal memory or mass storage device 907 may store data relatingto one or more lists of target frequencies, and one or more cabletesting algorithms (described with respect to FIGS. 2-8 ). The processorelement 906 is configured to execute the a cable testing algorithmsstored on internal or external memory.

In one embodiment, the device 900 further includes at least one wirelessinterface for communication via PAN (e.g., 802.15 or BLE), Wi-Fi(802.11), or other types of wireless connections. In support thereof,the device may include a Bluetooth or PAN wireless chipset with basebandprocessor (not shown) in communication with processor 906. The devicemay also include a wireline interface such as a USB or micro-USBinterface, for transmission of data and/or electrical power. Suchwireline connection may also include e.g., an Ethernet MAC and PoE RJ-45connector for network interface.

In one implementation, the device 900 can communicate locally with anapplication or program on a personal client device (e.g., mobile deviceor computer) in order to, e.g. transmit results of cable outlet tests,and/or receive instructions or information, such as updated cablefrequency plans, evaluation or analysis algorithms. For instance, in onevariant, an EEPROM or similar device on the test device 900 can be“flashed” with a new image including new test and evaluation algorithmsvia the wireless (or wireline) interface. Moreover, in one variant, thecable testing device 900 is configured to wirelessly receivegeographic/location information, such as from the mobile or clientdevice.

In another embodiment, the device 900 may locally communicate withvarious other wireless-enabled devices located near the cable testingdevice 900 at time of use. In one variant, the device 900 is configuredto identify and cooperate with other cable or service provider networkdevices that are provided by or associated with a specific cable networkoperator (e.g., the same operator as associated with the device 900)using the wireless interface. The other network devices may include forexample modems, routers, cable settop boxes, gateways, and “smart”remotes.

In one configuration, the device 900 may transmit data to, or receivedata from, a network server or other network process by using a localwireless connection to one or more other network devices and/or personalclient devices. For instance, the test device 900 may automaticallyand/or autonomously transmits cable test results to a cable networkserver (e.g., one maintained in the MSO's headend) via any number ofextant network protocols, such that the server can determine thesuitability of the tested premises or connection without the user or aninstaller having to do so. The network server may be configured to,inter alia (i) evaluate the receiver data relative to a particularpremise for sufficiency relative to one or more desired or prescribedservices offered by the MSO within that particular geographic region,including returning data to the transmitting device (or designated proxysuch as an email address or IP address) indicative of the result andconfigured to enable generation of a UI or other indication to the userof the results; (ii) evaluate the received data for one premises againstprior data for that same premises to identify similarities or anomalies;and/or (iii) evaluate the received data against other data for otherpremises within the same service group, geographic area or bearing otherrelationship to the tested premises so as to identify similarities oranomalies.

In another configuration, the device 900 can prompt or provide an optionto a user of the device 900 (e.g., via a user interface element) totransmit the cable test results to the server. For instance, the promptor option is implemented via an application or program on a personalclient device communicative with the test device. In another approach,the test device itself includes a UI (such as an LCD touch screeninterface) by which the user can select options such as transmission ofdata.

In yet another configuration, the device 900 may also be able to store(and transmit) test results on a per-connection or connection typebasis, such as where the device can differentiate between differentconnections being tested (whether based on user input or self-sensingcircuitry). For instance, certain connections within a premises may bewired differently than others, such as where some outlets arecommunicative with the coaxial distribution network of the serviceprovider, and others are communicative with an OTA antenna or FWAapparatus only. As such, different test regimes (and results data) maybe stored and associated with the different connections.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate various embodiments of user interface elements902 of the device 900.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the user interface 902A includesonly two LEDs to indicate the status of the cable and whether the deviceis powered on. In one embodiment, the status LED is a dual green/readLED configured to provide (i) steady green light to indicate that acable outlet has passed inspection, (ii) steady red light to indicatethat a cable outlet has not passed inspection, and (iii) provide nolight or a blinking amber light to indicate that a test is in progress.The power LED may be a single color LED configured to provide (i) steadylight to indicate that the device is on, (ii) no light to indicate thatthe device is off or the battery is dead/not inserted, and (iii)optionally, provide a blinking light to indicate that the device ispowered on but the battery is low.

FIG. 9B illustrates a user interface 902B which includes an array ofLEDs 902B corresponding to measured RF signal power from level 1 tolevel N, and one LED to show whether the device 900 is powered on. Inone embodiment, the array of RF level indicator LEDs are dual green/redLEDs. In another embodiment, the array of RF level indicator LEDsinclude a first group of red LEDs and a second group of green LEDs,where the red LEDs correspond to power levels below an acceptable RFspectrum power and the green LEDs correspond to power levels at or abovethe acceptable RF spectrum power.

FIG. 9C illustrates a user interface 902C which includes an array ofLEDs corresponding to three separate cable service subscription levelsor service types that may be available for a potential customer/user ofa cable network content provider, and a device power indicator (e.g.,“basic”, “upgraded” and “premium”, or “broadband (DOCSIS)”,“television”, and “VoIP”). The subscription level/type LEDs may be dualgreen/red LEDs, each configured to provide (i) steady green light toindicate that a cable outlet can support the corresponding cablesubscription level or type of service, and (ii) a steady red light toindicate that a cable outlet cannot support the corresponding cablesubscription level or type of service.

The device user interfaces of FIGS. 9A-9C can be modified or combined invarious other embodiments, as will be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill given the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the test device user interface includes audioand/or haptic elements, such as for use by those visually impaired. Inone variant, the device 900 includes speakers, a headphone jack, or awireless interface configured to connect to wireless headphones. In onesuch configuration, the device 900 is configured to generate a firstaudio tone to indicate a cable pass results, and a second tone toindicate a cable fail results. In another embodiment, the device 300 isconfigured to play tones, tunes or “ring tones”, and/or words to giveindications of various test results and the power status of the device,similar to the visual LED indicators described in FIGS. 9A-9B.

In another embodiment, instead of or in addition to the user interfaceelement 902 of the device 900, the results of a cable test may betransmitted (wirelessly or via wire) to another electronic device (e.g.,a personal client device, a different electronic device associated withthe cable service provider) for display. For example, the cable testingdevice 900 can transmit cable test results to an application on a usersmart phone, which can then notify the user of the results via its owndisplay/audio elements of that device.

FIGS. 10A-10E show one exemplary embodiment of the physicalcharacteristics of the cable testing device 900. FIG. 10A shows thedevice 900 from the front, and FIGS. 10B-10E show the device from theleft side, top, back, and right side, respectively.

The device 900 may have the shape of a box having width, length, andthickness. In one implementation, the width (W) is approximately 40 mm,the length (L) is approximately 100 mm, and the thickness (T) isapproximately 22.5 mm. In other implementations, the device 300 can havedifferent width, length, and/or thickness. In one embodiment, the device900 has rounded corners.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-10B and 10D-10E, a cable connector (e.g., F-typeconnector) may protrude from the top of the device.

FIG. 10A is an illustration of the front of the device 900 having twoLEDs, a first LED that indicates the status of the cable outlet beingevaluated and a second LED that indicates whether the device is poweredon or not.

FIG. 10B is an illustration of a side of the device 900. A power switchmay be located at the side of the device 900. In other embodiments, thepower switch may be located on any of the other sides of the device(including the front, bottom, and top). The power switch may beimplemented as a physical button (as shown in FIG. 10B), a toggleswitch, or any other type of known switch used in electronic devices.

FIG. 10D illustrates that a battery cover may be located on the back ofthe device. The device may be configured to be powered by a standardbattery (e.g., AAA or AA, or Lithium-based battery) that may be replacedby a user. In other embodiments, the device may have an internalrechargeable power source. For example, the device may have a batterythat may be charged wirelessly (e.g., through electromagnetic induction)or through a cable (e.g., using a USB, mini-USB, or other type ofconnection located on the outside of the device). As yet anotheralternative, a solar cell or similar photo-electric device may be used.

In other configurations (not shown), the test device 900 may take theform of a cable or dongle that includes the F-type connector discussedabove (for connection to a cable outlet), as well as other circuitry andcomponents including a cable and connector interface to a user personaldevice. For instance, a USB or micro-USB connector or other ubiquitoustype of connector may be used to enable data transmission and powerdelivery between the cable/dongle and the user device; a user simplyconnects the F-type connector to the outlet being tested, and theUSB/mUSB connector to the user device, the latter having anMSO-distributed app (e.g., one downloaded from the MSO website or athird party such as Google Play) which can receive and analyze the testdata, and optionally transmit it (or results data derived therefrom)seamlessly to the MSO server previously described.

In some variants, the test device 900 is intended to be a low-costcommodity (or even disposable) device provided by the MSO to customersor prospective customers without expectation of return thereby. Low-costconsumer electronics components are therefore used in such variants toreduce the overhead absorbed by the MSO. Such devices having small formfactor and low weight can be mailed or delivered to intended users atlow cost as well, including in advance of any proposed installation orupgrade/troubleshooting by service personnel of the MSO. They may alsobe included in installation kits, such as those including the CPE to beinstalled.

FIGS. 10F-10J are illustrations of another exemplary embodiment of acable testing device in accordance with the present disclosure. In thisembodiment, a quick connect/disconnect F-type connector “pigtail” isutilized in order to facilitate rapid connection and disconnection by auser (whether subscriber or installer or other) to a connection to betested. Depending on the configuration of the outlet to be tested, thepigtail may be a male connector adapted for connection to a femaleconnection, or vice versa. As such, the device 900 may also havemultiple pigtails, such as for male/female, for different types ofconnectors/outlets, or other purposes. Likewise, the configurations ofFIGS. 10A-10E and 10F-10J can be “blended” or combined, such as wherepigtail and non-pigtail connectors are utilized.

FIGS. 11-14 show exemplary circuitry of the cable testing device 900,that may be used to determine the status of a cable outlet connection byevaluating targeted frequencies (e.g., using the method 200 of FIG. 2 ).

As shown in FIG. 11 , filter circuitry 1100 on the front end of thedetector 900 circuitry includes a connector with shielding frame 1102for attachment to the outlet to be tested, as well as high-pass and MoCArejection filter stages 1104, 1006. These stages filter out unwantedlower-frequency bands, as well as MoCa-specific frequency bands (whichmay interfere with proper determination of the presence of the MSO cablesignals, such as by MoCA 2.0 or 2.1 devices which may be installed atthe premises.)

The portion 1200 of the circuit shown in FIG. 12 receives the RF outputsignal 1107 from the circuit 1100 of FIG. 11 , and includes an RF tuner(e.g., U1—implemented via an exemplary RT642C device) that is shieldedfrom the rest of the circuitry and outside electromagnetic interferenceby a metallic Faraday or other shield mechanism 1204. The received RFsignal 1107 is applied to the input pin of the detector (RFIN), withoutoutput via the SCL/SDA pins 1208 for interface to the MCU 1306 (FIG. 13), the latter which controls the tuner using the SCL/SDA (standard I2Cserial bus) lines and determines if the overall test criteria passes orfails. The MCU also controls the LEDs in the exemplary embodiment.

The portion of the circuit 1300 shown in FIG. 13 includes LED drivercircuitry and a micro-controller 1306. The circuit shown in FIGS. 11-14can be configured for instance to drive a white LED for power indicationand a dual color LED (green/red) for RF signal status (as shown in FIGS.9A and 10A). The white LED (D13) can be configured to provide: (i)steady white light when the power is on, (ii) flashing white light atone blink per second, and (iii) no light when the power is off or thebattery is dead. The dual color LED (D14-D17) can be configured toprovide: (i) flashing amber light at one blink per second to indicate atest/scan being performed, (ii) a green steady light to indicate a testpass, and (iii) a red steady light to indicate a test fail.

In one embodiment, the controller 1306 comprises a Sonix SN8FRM001 FlashMCU (microcontroller), although other devices may readily besubstituted. In one implementation, the logic/algorithm of selectivelyevaluating different frequency signals from the provided RF input andthen determining whether the cable has passed or failed the test, isstored on the MCU chip (U2) 1306.

FIGS. 15-17 show exemplary circuitry for use within the cable testingdevice 900, that may be used to determine the status of a cable outletconnection by evaluating a full RF spectrum.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the test device circuitry,including a shielded RF detector circuit 1500 that includes a filterelement (F1) 1502 (such as the illustrated MAFL-011013 RF diplexordiplexer 5 MHz˜42 MHz/54 MHz˜1 GHz 11 SMD Module) coupled to the inputconnector (e.g., F-type connector J1) that selectively isolates aportion of the spectrum in which the detector is interested, and an RFdetector chip (U2) 1504, such as the illustrated LT5537 wide dynamicrange RF/IF log detector. The exemplary LT5537 is a wide dynamic rangedetector which, in the embodiment of FIGS. 15-17 , is utilized in placeof the tuner of the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 . Rather than tuning andmeasuring individual frequencies as in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 ,the embodiment of FIGS. 15-17 measures the entire RF spectrum at once.The circuit also includes a MIC5365/6 advanced general purpose linearregulator 1506 for power regulation.

FIG. 16 illustrates an LED driver that may be used in conjunction withthe circuitry of FIG. 15 to drive LEDs to indicate (i) portable device900 power status, and (ii) cable test results (e.g., obtained using themethod 200 of FIG. 2 ). A first LED (D12) 1602 can be configured toprovide (i) steady light when the power is on, and (ii) no light whenthe power is off or the battery of the device is dead. A second (dualcolor) LED (D11) 1604 can be configured to provide (i) a green steadylight to indicate a test pass and (ii) a red steady light to indicate atest fail, based on the RF level signal at the input of the op amp (U4).

FIG. 17 illustrates an LED driver that may be used in conjunction withthe circuit of FIG. 15 to drive an array of LEDs 1702 to indicate cabletest results and measured RF power level provided by e.g., use of themethod 800 of FIG. 8 as previously described with respect to Table 1. Inone embodiment, (i) the first seven LEDs (D1-D7) 1704 correspond topower levels that are all above an acceptable threshold and whichprovide a green light indication, and (ii) the last three LEDs (D8-D10)1706 correspond to the lowest three power levels which are below theacceptable threshold and provide red light, based on RF level input atthe comparator device (U3) 1707.

Network Architecture and Frequency Selection—

FIG. 18 illustrates a simplified logical block diagram of a multiplesystems operator (MSO) network architecture 1800, wherein the MSO is acable service/content provider delivering services over an HFC network.The methods and apparatus of the present disclosure may be implementedby the MSO to determine whether one or more cable outlets within variouscustomer premises 1806, 1808 are (i) connected to (i.e., in signalcommunication with) the MSO HFC distribution network 1804 and (ii) ifconnected, whether the cable connection is acceptable (i.e., ofsufficient quality such that sufficient RF signal strength can beachieved) to support services provided by the MSO. It will beappreciated that, depending on the types of services to be delivered,the test for acceptability may vary, such as where lower data-rate ormore error-tolerant applications may feasibly be supported by lower SNRsignals as compared to higher data rate/higher order modulation signals.

Depending on each individual premises, one or more cable outlets withincustomer premises (or potential/future customer premises) 1806, 1808 canbe (i) adequately connected to the MSO distribution network 1804; (ii)inadequately connected (e.g., connect to the MSO infrastructure, butwith degraded capability such as due to degraded cable or connectorcondition, presence of high levels of RF interference, etc.); (iii) notconnected to anything (e.g., open/broken cable, or failed or unconnectedF-type connector); or (iv) connected to various other networks ordevices 1816 (e.g., through satellite dish or over-the-air antenna, MoCAinstallation, etc.).

The cable testing device 900 described in the present disclosure canaccordingly be used to inspect a cable outlet to determine whether anadequate connection to the MSO network exists, and/or for subsequenttroubleshooting depending on configuration of the device.

The different customer premises 1806, 1808 may be located within aplurality of markets or service areas 1812, 1814. The service areas maygenerally correspond to different geographical regions, although othertypes of differentiation are contemplated by the present disclosure(e.g., different users connected to different sub-networks within acommon topology, different users associated with different frequency useplans, etc.). In one embodiment, different versions or configurations ofthe cable testing device 900 are used to test cable outlets connectionsin the different markets. For example, a first configuration of thedevice 900 is used to test cable connections within first customerpremises 1806 located within a first geographical market 1812, and asecond somewhat different configuration of the device 900 is used totest cable connections of second customer premises 1808 within a secondgeographical market 814. The different versions or configurations of thecable testing device 100 can include different target frequencies/bands,different exclusion frequencies/bands (e.g., corresponding to differentOTA broadcaster profiles), different testing algorithms, power or otherparameter thresholds, or yet other differences.

FIG. 19 illustrates a method 1900 of generating a list of frequencies tobe used by a cable testing device 900.

At step 1902, the method 1900 comprises first obtaining the conditionsrequired for the list of frequencies. In one embodiment, the conditionscan include one or a combination of: (i) the particular cable market orgeographical area in which the list will be used, (ii) the type orsubscription level of a cable content provider's signals that will beevaluated using the list (e.g., DOCSIS broadband services, basic cable,premium subscription, etc.), (iii) a desired number of frequencies to beused for confirmation/analysis, and (iv) desired bands of frequencies.

The cable market can be a local market (e.g., neighborhood, town, city)or a greater geographical region (e.g., northwest region of the UnitedStates, all of Canada, etc.). Cable content provider networks may usedifferent frequencies in different markets based on, for example, theadopted frequency plan, availability of spectrum (e.g., typically below800 MHz, but perhaps as high as 1.2 GHz or 1.6 GHz in next generationdeployments), and/or government regulations, although frequency use isgenerally consistent across providers.

The subscription level or type of services to be provided may give anindication of the channel frequencies used by a cable provider for aspecific type or level of service within the geographical region; e.g.,frequencies used to deliver certain services such as basic-level cableto residents of a given locale may be quite limited and disposed withinone portion of the total cable available spectrum). Similarly, DOCSISUS/DS services may utilize certain prescribed frequency bands on thecable.

In one embodiment, the number of frequency channels included in the listmay be restricted in order to make sure the cable test can be performedquickly enough. In another embodiment, a minimum number of frequencychannels may be specified in order to ensure that the cable test hasadequate data to give a sufficiently accurate or reliable result. Aspreviously noted, these lists may also in some variants be varieddynamically by the logic of the device 900 itself, such as where theminimum number of frequencies to be measured is dynamically increasedupon sensing a comparatively high fraction of test failures or ambiguousresults.

The types of frequencies may also be limited, e.g. to lower or higherfrequencies or such that the individual tested frequency ranges arenon-overlapping.

In step 1904, a first list of frequencies used by the target cableservice/content provider network is obtained (from the cable provider,via data stored in the memory of the device 900, public records, etc.).If the conditions of step 902 include geographical region and/ortype/subscription level limitations, the list of frequencies is selectedbased thereon.

In step 1906, a second list or profile of frequencies used byconfounding satellite, over-the-air TV, and/or other types of contentproviders or sources is obtained.

In step 1908, if any conflicting frequencies are found (e.g.,frequencies present on the first and second lists, or overlap innon-identical but similar bands), the conflicting frequencies or bandsare removed from the first list.

In step 1910, the first list may be evaluated and modified to make sureit conforms to at least some conditions provided in step 1902. Forexample, if there are too many frequencies, some of them may be removed(randomly, according to a priority structure, or in accordance withother conditions or considerations). On the other hand, if a greaternumber of frequencies is required to perform an accurate test (e.g.,based on a first-pass test indicating unsuitable or ambiguous results),some of the frequencies removed in step 1908 may be added back in. Inone embodiment, the conditions or considerations for frequency selectionare ranked by importance such that, if not all of them can be met, onetakes precedence over another.

In another embodiment, several lists of frequencies may be pre-generatedand stored in a cable testing device 900. The device 900 may then selectone or more of the lists based on current/local conditions of the cabletest, such as based on user input, an initial testing result (e.g., aninitial scan of the entire frequency band or portions thereof), inputfrom a location positioning system such as a GPS receiver of the device900, or other.

Additional Considerations

It will be appreciated that while the foregoing exemplary embodiments oftesting methods, and methods of operation of the testing device 900, aredescribed primarily in terms of downstream signals present on a givenconnection (e.g., those transmitted from a cable MSO headend ordistribution node toward the customer CPE), the various aspects of thepresent disclosure may be used for other signals as well. For examplethe methods and testing device 900 may be configured to test signalsissued by a customer premises CPE (e.g., DSTB or gateway or DOCSISmodem) towards the headend. For instance, in one such variant, basebandsignals generated by an FWA CPE and transmitted via coaxial cable towarda roof-top radio head and antenna array can be evaluated; e.g., at theradio head coaxial cable termination, in order to determine if suitablesignals are present. Similarly, signals generated by a DSTB, gateway, orMoCA device within a premises (sourced by the main coaxial cable “drop”or feed to the premises, or a rooftop FWA device) and transmitted towardanother room/outlet within a “tree” or other topology within thepremises can be tested using the methods/apparatus described herein.

Moreover, while the testing methods and apparatus of the disclosure aredescribed with respect to wall-plate type outlets (e.g., those mountedwithin drywall or other surfaces of the premises), they can also beadapted for application to F-type or similar connections present onconsumer electronic devices such as gateways, televisions, etc., such aswhere the electronic device includes a connector to enable it to act asa source for other devices (e.g., a pass-through or repeaterconnection).

Additionally, as previously referenced, the test device 900 may includean RF source device (e.g., an oscillator and RF front end or other RFsignal generator) so that the device may act as a test source foranother detector device (whether another test device 900 or one ofdifferent configuration) for “end to end” cable testing. For example thesource device may be connected to the MD or ingress connection point forthe premises, while the recipient or detector device is placed at one ormore outlets within the premises, in effect performing RF continuitytesting on the coaxial cabling within the premises.

It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the disclosure aredescribed in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, thesedescriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of thedisclosure, and may be modified as required by the particularapplication. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional undercertain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality maybe added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance oftwo or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to beencompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the disclosure as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Thisdescription is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should betaken as illustrative of the general principles of the disclosure. Thescope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to theclaims.

It will be further appreciated that while certain steps and aspects ofthe various methods and apparatus described herein may be performed by ahuman being, the disclosed aspects and individual methods and apparatusare generally computerized/computer-implemented. Computerized apparatusand methods are necessary to fully implement these aspects for anynumber of reasons including, without limitation, commercial viability,practicality, and even feasibility (i.e., certain steps/processes simplycannot be performed by a human being in any viable fashion).

What is claimed is:
 1. A computerized method for cable testing, thecomputerized method comprising: measuring and evaluating respectivepower levels of respective ones of a plurality of target radio frequency(RF) signals; determining that at least a prescribed number orproportion of the plurality of target RF signals have been measured andevaluated; based on the determining, comparing a number of acceptableones of the plurality of target RF signals against one or morepredetermined acceptance criteria of acceptable signals; and based onthe comparing, determining whether a cable outlet connection is suitablefor delivery of one or more prescribed digital services.
 2. Thecomputerized method of claim 1, further comprising selecting theplurality of target RF signals based at least on a geographical locationof the cable outlet connection.
 3. The computerized method of claim 1,further comprising selecting the one or more predetermined acceptancecriteria to be (i) higher than a number of frequency channels that arebe used by over-the-air (OTA) antennas, and (ii) lower than a number offrequency channels used by a cable network service provider.
 4. Thecomputerized method of claim 1, wherein the measuring of the respectivepower levels of the respective ones of the plurality of target RFsignals comprises measuring the respective power levels of therespective ones of the plurality of target RF signals within aprescribed range around a centerline or nominal frequency.
 5. Thecomputerized method of claim 4, wherein measuring of the respectivepower levels of the respective ones of the plurality of target RFsignals within the prescribed range around the centerline or the nominalfrequency comprise measuring the respective power levels of therespective ones of the plurality of target RF signals within a range of4 MHz in total bandwidth, such that edge or sideband regions areexcluded from the measuring.
 6. The computerized method of claim 4,further comprising generating the prescribed range to avoidconsideration of guard-bands between consecutive prescribed carriers. 7.The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the measuring of therespective power levels of the respective ones of the plurality oftarget RF signals comprises measuring the respective power levels of therespective ones of the plurality of target RF signals for apredetermined time period at predetermined time intervals, at least oneof the predetermined time period or the predetermined time intervalsbased on individual ones of the respective ones of the plurality oftarget RF signals.
 8. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein thecomparing comprises (i) generating an average based on the measuring ofthe respective power levels of the respective ones of the plurality oftarget RF signals, and (ii) comparing the average against apredetermined threshold power.
 9. A computer readable apparatuscomprising a non-transitory storage medium, the non-transitory storagemedium comprising a plurality of computer executable instructionsconfigured to, when executed by a processor apparatus of an electronicapparatus, cause the electronic apparatus to: obtain data relating to aradio frequency (RF) power level of at least a portion of an RFspectrum; wherein the obtainment of the data relating to the RF powerlevel of at least the portion of the RF spectrum comprises: a selectionof a plurality of target RF frequencies based on a geographic region,the plurality of target RF frequencies used by at least one of (i) acable network operator in the geographic region, or (ii) a satellite orover-the-air (OTA) antennas in the geographic region; removal ofconflicting ones of the plurality of target RF frequencies to generate adata structure comprising non-conflicting ones of the plurality oftarget RF frequencies; and a measurement and an evaluation of RF signalson each of the non-conflicting ones of the plurality of target RFfrequencies; determine whether the RF power level is greater to or equalthan an acceptable power level; and cause a visual display element ofthe electronic apparatus to indicate one or more results of thedetermination.
 10. A computer readable apparatus comprising anon-transitory storage medium, the non-transitory storage mediumcomprising a plurality of computer executable instructions configuredto, when executed by a processor apparatus of an electronic apparatus,cause the electronic apparatus to: obtain data relating to a radiofrequency (RF) power level of at least a portion of an RF spectrum;wherein the obtainment of the data relating to the RF power level of atleast the portion of the RF spectrum comprises a selection of aplurality of target RF frequencies based on at least locationinformation, the location information indicative of frequency channelsused by one or more cable service providers (i) inside a cable market orservice area and (ii) for different types of services offered by the oneor more cable service providers; determine whether the RF power level isgreater to or equal than an acceptable power level; and cause a visualdisplay element of the electronic apparatus to indicate one or moreresults of the determination.
 11. An electronic apparatus, theelectronic apparatus comprising: a processing apparatus; an interfaceapparatus in data communication with the processing apparatus; a radiofrequency (RF) signal detector apparatus in data communication with theprocessing apparatus; and a storage device in data communication withthe processing apparatus and having at least one computer programconfigured to, when executed on the processing apparatus, cause theelectronic apparatus to: evaluate a plurality of signals via use of theRF signal detector apparatus, the evaluation comprising one or moredeterminations with respect to at least one of (i) flatness or (ii)consistency, associated with individual ones of the plurality ofsignals; and based on the evaluation, determine whether a connection cansupport provision of services via a content distribution network at apredetermined level of quality.
 12. The electronic apparatus of claim11, further comprising a cable status indicator, the cable statusindicator comprising: a first light emitting device (LED) configured toindicate viable cable connection with a first color light; a second LEDconfigured to indicate a non-viable cable connection (fail) with asecond color light, and a third LED configured to indicate a test inprogress with at least one of a third color light or a blinking light.13. The electronic apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first color lightcomprising a green color, the second color light comprises a red color,and the third color light comprises a yellow color.
 14. The electronicapparatus of claim 11, further comprising a cable status indicator, thecable status indicator comprising a plurality of light emitting devices(LEDs) configured to indicate (i) a viability determination of whetherthe connection is viable and (ii) an approximate RF spectrum power leveldetected by the electronic apparatus.
 15. The electronic apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the approximate RF spectrum power level indicates aconfidence level of the viability determination.
 16. The electronicapparatus of claim 11, further comprising a cable status indicator, thecable status indicator comprising an audio output, the audio outputconfigured to provide different tones, the different tones configured toindicate a status of the connection.
 17. The electronic apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the different tones comprise a single tone to indicatethe connection is viable, and at least one of (i) multiple tones or (ii)different frequency tone) to indicate the connection is non-viable. 18.The electronic apparatus of claim 16, wherein the different tonescomprise an upward changing tone to indicate the connection is viable,and a downward changing tone to indicate the connection is non-viable.19. The electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electronicapparatus comprises a passive device configured to detect radiofrequency(RF) signals, and not configured to actively send any RF signals. 20.The electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or moredeterminations with respect to the at least one of (i) the flatness or(ii) the consistency, associated with the individual ones of theplurality of signals comprise: a determination whether at least one ofthe plurality of signals has a sufficiently flat profile via acalculation of one of a variance or standard deviation of an amplitudemeasurement as a function of one of time or another parameter, and acomparison of a result of the calculation to a predetermined thresholdvariance or threshold standard deviation, respectively.